Civil War Literature
The Great GatsbyF. Scott Fitzgerald
Chapter One
This poet suggests that the best way to woo a lover is to have wealth (gold-hat) and to do what the woman wants (bounce high).1. What does DInvilliers suggest is the best way to woo a lover?Chapter One
Nick Carraway reveals that he is not a judgmental person (based on advice his father gave him).Im inclined to reserve all judgments, a habit that has opened up many curious natures to me and also made me the victim of not a few veteran bores. (1)He, however, does not always follow this principle and is quick to judge all. (5-6)2. What does Nick Carraway (the narrator) reveal about his own personality?Chapter One Nick describes Gatsby as a man that: represented everything for which I have unaffected scorn something gorgeous about him, some heightened sensitivity to the promises of life had a gift for hope, a romantic readiness Nick notes that is was not Gatsby who left him jaded, rather what preyed on Gatsby, what foul dust that floated in the wake of his dreamsfoul dust = American dreams decay3. What generalizations about Gatsby does Nick give as his introduction to the Great main character?Chapter One Nick achieves the feeling of belonging when he gives directions to a lost man on the road.Providing direction for another gives him purpose and makes it so that he no longer feels lonely. 4. How does Nick become a guide, a pathfinder, an original settler?Chapter One
A: Tom is physically endowed; sturdy; 30 years old; former standout collegiate football playerB: Tom is confrontational, seeking a little wistfully for the dramatic turbulence (10); he seems arrogant, dominant and aggressive, a cruel body (11)C: Toms relationship with Daisy is superficial, strained and cold; they barely acknowledge each otherD: Tom is a white supremacist: Civilization is going to piecesif we dont look out the white race will be utterly submerged. (17)5. Describe Tom Buchanan in detail.Chapter One Her knuckles being black and blue lead one to believe that she fights back when Tom abuses herPrivately, shell fight backShes personally defiantPublically, shell remain docileShes willing to compromise her defiance in order to retain the image of a subservient wife6. How did Daisys knuckles turn black and blue?Chapter One Daisy is well-aware that Tom has a girl on the side She and Tom openly argue about it while Nick is visiting Jordan Baker, professional golfer and friend of Daisys, who seemed to have mastered a certain hardy skepticism, eavesdrops unashamed7. Does Daisy know that Tom has a mistress? How do you know?Chapter OneNave; young; beautiful; soft-spoken; charming; cynical; wealthy; frivolous; lavish; foolish; subjected; objectified; innocent; romantic; abused; charismatic; sophisticated; frolicsome; entitled; captivating; witty; superficial; Unfulfilled; Aloof; thrilling; entrancing; persuasive8. List ten adjectives that you would use to describe Daisys personality?Chapter OneDaisy and Tom appear to be trophy parentsAlthough they have a child, they are by no means active, caring parentsThe next step in their marriage was to have a child, so thats what they did- have a baby to show offI suppose she talks, and eats and everything (Daisy now)I hope shell be a fool thats the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool (Daisy the day her daughter was born)9. What can you figure out about Daisy and Tom as parents and individuals from the brief references to their daughter?Chapter One
Nick observes Gatsby, content to be alone, staring out into the sea He stands transfixed on a distant, green lightGreen light symbolizes:LongingHopeRenewalAmerican Dream 10. What do you think is the significance of the green light?Chapter OneChapter Two
Long stretch of desolate land half-way between West Egg and New York City, created by the dumping of industrial ashes.It represents the moral and social decay that results from the uninhibited pursuit of wealth, as the rich indulge themselves with regard for nothing but their own pleasure.The valley of ashes also symbolizes the plight of the poor, like George Wilson, who live among the dirty ashes and lose their vitality as a result1. Describe the Valley of Ashes and explain where it is located.Chapter TwoThe Eyes of Dr. TJ Eckleburg is a billboard set over the Valley of Ashes: gigantic blues eyes looking out of yellow spectacles (27).Fitzgerald may have put him there as a point of interest; maybe to show that the area was forgottenlike the billboard.2. Who is Dr. TJ Eckleburg? Why did Fitzgerald include him as part of the Valley of Ashes?Chapter Two
It may represent God staring down upon and judging American society as a moral wasteland.The eyes also come to represent the essential meaninglessness of the world and the arbitrariness of the mental process by which people invest objects with meaning.3. What might the Dr. TK Eckleburg symbolize?Chapter Two
Blonde; faintly handsome; light blue eyesSpiritless, exhausted owner of a run-down auto shop at the edge of the VOAGeorge, a pushover, loves and idealizes his wife, Myrtle4. Describe George Wilson.Chapter TwoIt is evident that George is subservient to his wife; Myrtle is the Alpha in their relationship; she walk[s] through her husband as if her were a ghost (30). She bosses him around and he adheres to her wishes.She is having an affair with Tom and George is oblivious to this. Myrtle feels as if she was tricked into marrying George; she thought he was a gentleman (she thought he had more money than he really did) and it turns out he had to borrow a suit for their wedding (39).5. How does George interact with his wife? Describe their relationship.Chapter TwoCatherine Myrtles sister, well-maintained (maybe a little over the top), haughtyMr. McKee downstairs neighbor, pale feminine man, photographerMrs. McKee shrill, languid, handsome, and horrible6. What are some of the characteristics of the people at the party Nick attends with Tom?Chapter Two
The dog is included in the chapter to show how frivolous Myrtle is (and how Tom gives her whatever she wants). By the end of the chapter the dog is sitting on the coffee table forgotten and whimpering. (41)7. Why is the little dog included in this chapter? Where is he at the end of the chapter?Chapter Two
No, the violence between Tom and Myrtle is not unusual.We already know that Tom is abusive and aggressive (Daisys black and blue knuckles). It doesnt seem as if Tom even hesitated to hit Myrtle for repeating Daisys name.Mr. McKee stares at the scene and walks out as if nothing has happened.Public acceptance of domestic violence8. Was the violence between Myrtle Wilson and Tom unusual? How do you know?Chapter TwoChapter Three
Take a look at the party scene.p. 39-41p. 43-45
What are your impressions of Gatsbys parties? Why does he throw them?Discussion!Gatsbys parties were social events; people found out about them via word of mouth and just showed up.Some of Gatsbys guests have never even seen Gatsby, nor do they know him.In his blue gardens, men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars. (43) It was a testimony to the romantic speculation he inspired that there were whispers about him from those who had found little that it was necessary to whisper about in this world. (48) 1. With Gatsbys parties, people were not invited they went there. Explain.Chapter ThreeThe two girls in yellow represent the materialism of the era.One girl tears her gown; Gatsby replaces it with another expensive gown.They are also the beginning of the many rumors that are circulating about Gatsby.Typical type of person that comes to his parties: materialistic, selfish, haughty (43) (47-48)
2. Who are the girls in yellow and what is their significance?Chapter ThreeA stout, middle-aged manQuestions the authenticity of the books in Gatsbys libraryWonders if Gatsby is a mere illusion; seems shocked by his attention to detail/ability to cover his basesWhat thoroughness! What realism! (50)3. Who is Owl Eyes?Chapter ThreeWhy is Owl Eyes so shocked that Gatsbys library is real?Discussion!Gatsby killed a manHe was a German spyHe grew up in GermanyHe was in the American Army during the war Hes an Oxford man4. List the different rumors that are floating around about Gatsby.Chapter Three
Nick meets Gatsbyfinally!p. 47p. 51
Jordan says, Anyhow, he gives large partiestheyre so intimate. At small parties there isnt any privacy? (49) (54)Do you agree with her seemingly contradictory statement?Discussion!He does not.I wondered if the fact that he was not drinking helped to set him off from his guests, for it seemed to me that he grew more correct as the fraternal hilarity increased. (54)5. Does Gatsby drink? Include a quote from the text that proves your answer.Chapter Three
Chicago and Philadelphia are business associates of Gatsbys.One can assume that it has something to do with bootlegging and organized crime, as those two cities were hubs for the mob in this era.6. Chicago and Philadelphia both want Gatsby on the phone. Who are they?Chapter ThreeIt is rumored that Jordan Baker cheated in her first big golf tournament.She supposedly moved her ball in the semi-final round for a better shot.The scandal died away when a caddie retracted his statementJordan, therefore, instinctively avoided clever shrewd men and kept a cool insolent smile turned to the world.Nick: Dishonesty in a woman is a thing you never blame deeply7. What story is floating around about Jordan and her incurable dishonesty?Chapter ThreeLets talk about it takes two to make an accident (58) (63)Discussion!Chapter 4
Quote: those who accepted Gatsbys hospitalitypaid him the subtle tribute of knowing nothing whatever about himNick is being sarcastic. He does not approve of the people that attend Gatsbys parties; he believes that they are materialistic and should at least know their host.1. Is Nick being sarcastic or serious based on the provided quote? Explain your choice.Chapter FourKlipspringer is the complete/ representative guest because he has been to Gatsbys parties for so long and so frequently that people begin to call him the border as if he lived there (67)2. If you had to pick a consummate Gatsby guest, who would you pick and why?Chapter FourFamilyJay comes from a wealthy family in the mid-west and that all of his family is deadEducationJay was educated at Oxford because it was a family traditionSource of IncomeJay came into a good deal of moneyHe lived in all the capitols of Europe and collected jewels, hunted game, and developed a passion for art3. During the drive to lunch, what details for Gatsby give Nick his:Chapter FourGatsby claims to be from San Francisco (70)4. Where in the middle-west does Gatsby claim to be from?Chapter FourThe white card that Gatsby pulls out for the policeman is the Christmas card that he gets from the Police Commissioner every year.Demonstrates his importance and makes it seem as if he is above the law because of his favors. (73)5. What is the white card that Gatsby uses with the policeman?Chapter FourWolfshiems character shows some of the anti-Semitic feelings of the time period because of the negative way in which his appearance is described.He has a small, flat nose; large head; long hair coming out of each nostril; tiny (beady) eyes;Purposefully stereotypical (73-74)6. How might the character and appearance of Meyer Wolfshiem suggest an element of anti-Semitism on the part of the author and the time period?Chapter FourAs a young girl, Daisy lived in Louisville, KentuckyShe is from a wealthy family and had MANY suitorsShe and Gatsby had a brief relationship before he went off to warRumorsShe packed her bags to bid Gatsby farewell in NY; the fact that she tried to run away created tension within her familyInference = her family forced her to stay by making her marry Tom7. Describe Daisys life as a young girl of 18. What were the rumors circulating about her?Chapter FourHis accident shows just how long he has been cheating on his wifeThree months after they were married he gets into this accidentHe had one of the hotel chambermaids in the car with him (82)Inference = Their marriage crippled by infidelity from the onset8. What is the significance of Toms car accident in Santa Barbara? How long had he been married?Chapter FourDaisy did have affairs in ChicagoShe used her sobriety to an advantageShe was able to hide her indiscretionsJordan says, Theres something in that voice of hers. (82)
9. Did Daisy have any affairs in Chicago? Explain in detail how you know.Chapter FourGatsby has been keeping up with Daisy throughout the yearsHe bought the house across the bay from her and throws all of these elaborate parties in hopes that she will show up so he can woo her to win her backGatsbys greatness is a faade; hidden behind it he strives to possess the very one thing he is unable to buy
10. THE BURNING QUESTION: Why did Gatsby buy his huge house and throw all his parties?Chapter FourChapter Five
Gatsby offers Nick a sideline parnership in his bootlegging business, a rather confidential sort of thing (87-88)Nick declines:Because the offer was obviously and tactlessly for a service to be rendered, I had no choice except to cut him off there. (88)1. What sideline partnership does Gatsby offer Nick?Chapter Five
Gatsby appears distracted and paranoidHe has Nicks lawn cut and sends a greenhouse over to adorn Nicks homeUpon arrival at Nicks, Nick notices dark signs of sleeplessness beneath his eyes. (89)While waiting for their guests, Jay anxiously keeps peering toward the bleared windows from time to time as if a series of invisible but alarming happenings were taking place outside. (89)He threatens to leave several minutes before guests are set to arrive2. Describe Gatsbys behavior up until the moment he sees Daisy again.Chapter FivePrior to Nick leavingEmbarrassedStrained; shyUncomfortableIt is rainingWhen Nick returnsSerene (He literally glowed 94)Daisy is crying but seems happyGatsby finally sees NickThe rain stops3. Contrast Gatsby and Daisys interaction before Nick leaves with their interaction after he returns.Chapter FiveGatsby previously told Nick that he inherited his moneyHe corrects himself by explaining that he lost the money her inherited in the big panic of the war, but earned it all back in a matter of three years (95)
4. When Daisy is upstairs washing her face, Gatsby contradicts an earlier piece of information he had given Nick. How does he explain this discrepancy?Chapter Five
Gatsby shows Daisy his shirts to impress her, to show how far he has come from the soldier she knew five years agohe revalued everything in his house according to the measure of response it drew from he well-loved eyes... He stared around at his possessions in a dazed way as though in her actual and astounding presence none of it was any longer real. (96-97)She is crying upon the realization that he has done all of this for her5. Why does Gatsby pull out all of his shirts for Daisy and why does she cry at the sight of them?Chapter FiveChapter Six
Gatsbys real/ legal name is James Gatz1. What was Gatsbys real name and background?Chapter Six
James GatzLazy; restlessUnsuccessful (clam digger; salmon fisherman; janitor)Without opportunity Jay GatsbyExtravagantly ambitiousGoal-orientedUsed Dan Cody as an opportunityBecame VERY successful2. Why is it that James Gatzhad been loafing around along the beach but Jay Gatsby borrowed a row boat and informed Cody that a wind might catch him and break him up?Chapter SixGatsby knew women early and since they spoiled him he became contemptuous of them. Of young virgins because they were ignorant, of the others because they were hysterical about things which in his overwhelming self-absorption he took for granted. (104-105)3. What information does Nick give about Gatsbys early interactions with women?Chapter SixGatsby left St. Olaf, a small Lutheran college, after being unfulfilled/unsatisfieddismayed at its ferocious indifference to the drums of his destiny, to destiny itselfdespising the janitors work with which he was to pay his way through. (105)4. Why did Gatsby leave St. Olaf in southern Minnesota and return to Lake Superior?Chapter SixDan Codymany times a millionaire50 years oldMade money from mining operationsan infinite number of woman tried to separate him from his moneyon the verge of softmindednessInevitably helped create Gatz great Gatsby personaLavish; well-traveled; wealthy
5. Who is Dan Cody and what opportunities does he offer Gatsby?Chapter SixElla Kaye is the one woman that Cody seemed to bend toShe came on board one night in Boston and a week later Dan Cody inhospitably died. (106)Inference = she killed him for his money?Ella wound up with Codys money, while Gatbsy was left with his singularly appropriate education the vague contour of Jay Gatsby had filled out to the substantiality of a man (106)
6. Who is Ella Kaye and what is her importance to Gatsby? What legacy does Cody leave him despite the loss of $25,000?Chapter SixIrony: Incongruity between what actually happens and what might be expected to happenSituational Irony: A situation in which the audience has a fuller knowledge of what is happening rather than a character does
Tom complains about his inability to catch up to women, yet he has been mired in his own perpetual infidelities since he has been marriedHis statement proves his hypocrisy and ignorance
7. Explain the irony of Toms comment that women run around too much these days to suit me.Chapter SixDaisys reactionOf Awe; bewilderedIve never met so many celebritiesOnly has a good time while with Gatsby
Toms reactionperturbed at Daisys running around aloneHis arrogant eyes roamed the crowdAnnoyed by Gatsby introducing him to guests as the polo player8. What is Daisys reaction to Gatsbys party? What about Toms reaction?Chapter Six
Gatsby is determined to mend/alter the pastHe is delusional; acts as if things are not meant to beGatsby longs for Daisy but also longs for something of himself he once sacrificedNick: I gathered that he wanted to recover something, some idea of himself perhaps, that had gone into loving Daisy. (117)9. Respond to Gatsbys exclamation of Cant repeat the past? Why of course you can!Chapter SixIncarnation = Succession of periods spent in the body of a particular personThe first kiss is a significant renewal point for Gatsby; if he could start all over again with Daisy, he would start (blossom) from then on.At his lips touch she blossomed for him like a flower. (117)Daisy now represents the last part of his transformation into GatsbyA new period of his life based/founded on the very best part of a former period of his life10. When Gatsby kissed Daisy for the first time, what incarnation was complete? Why?Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Gatsby fires his servants because he does not want anyone spreading gossip about the time he has been spending with DaisyCovering his basesGatsby replaces his servants with some people Wolfsheim wanted to do something for (120)Mob favor1. Why did Gatsby fire all his servants?Chapter SevenDaisy before Gatsbys arrivalSubmissive trophy wife publicallyOnly defies Tom privatelyDaisy after Gatsbys arrivalBrazen and bold; defiant publicallyOrders Tom aroundKisses Gatsby (when Tom isnt watching)Cynical about Toms affair2. Describe the change in Daisys personality since the arrival of Gatsby.Chapter Seven
Daisy is barely a mother to Pamela (Pammy)She croons over her (trophy mom) but spends no meaningful time with herShe openly says she wishes to show her off and refers to her as a little dream3. Describe the relationship between Daisy and her daughter. Chapter SevenDaisy and Tom left Chicago because of Toms affairs too much talk.4. Why did Daisy and Tom leave Chicago?Chapter Seven
Gatsby needs Daisy to say that she never loved Tom and only ever loved himInstead, she admits to loving both: I cant help whats pastI did love him once but I loved you too (140)5. What, specifically, does Gatsby need Daisy to say?Chapter Seven
Walter ChaseOne of Toms friends that got involved with Gatsby and Wolfsheims illegal enterpriseHe spent time in a New Jersey jail and was scared into keeping quietWalter has the dirt on Gatsby and becomes a conduit/active insider for Tom6. What happened to Walter Chase, and why is he afraid to talk?Chapter SevenGatsby struggles to defend his nameHe denies Toms accusations7. What does Gatsby try to tell Daisy after Tom exposes his corruption?Chapter Seven
with every word she was drawing further and further into herself, so he gave that up an only the dead dream fought on as the afternoon slipped away, trying to touch what was no longer tangible, struggling unhappily, undespairingly (142)The accident literally drives George Wilson crazyHe sways back and forth in the doorway shouting, Oh My God!Doorway = liminal space = uncertain reality8. What is the effect of the tragedy on Wilson? Be specific.Chapter Seven
He looks through people and things; mumbles incoherentlyWilson neither heard nor saw. (146)Myrtle ran out into the street and was hit head-on by a yellow car going 30-40 mph; the car never stoppedTom confirms for the reader that the car was Gatsbys (the one that Tom was driving earlier that day)Daisy was driving the car (IRONY!)Myrtle thought that Tom was in the car and she was waving him down (151)9. Explain the circumstance that caused the accident.Chapter SevenIt seems as if she has told him the truth about the driving situationTheir interaction is described as conspiring10. How do Daisy and Tom interact after the accident?Chapter Seven
Daisy and Tom seem to be calmly talking about the incidentChapter Eight
Gatsby says that she is the first nice girl that he ever metHe found her excitingly desirable (155)He is excited by the beauty and wealth of her home and lifestyleThere was a ripe mystery about it (155)1. What first excited Gatsby about Daisy?Chapter EightHe took her because she was untouchable to himShe was wealthy while he was pennilessHe might have despised himself for he had taken her under false pretenseshe had deliberately given Daisy a sense of security; he let her believe that he was a person from much the same strata as herself (156)Money, deceit, and unattainable dreams are connected to his love for her2. Why did Gatsby take Daisy? What, then, might be inextricably linked to his love and desire for her?Chapter EightGatsby originally thought that the love affair would be short-livedThen he fell in love with her completelyHe had committed himself to the following of a grail Gatsby was overwhelmingly aware of the youth and mystery that wealth imprisons and preserves, of the freshness of many clothes and of Daisy, gleaming like silver, safe and proud above the hot struggles of the poor. (156-157)3. At first, how significant did Gatsby expect the love affair to be? What happened?Chapter EightDaisy grew increasingly anxiousShe was feeling pressure from those in her social circle; she wanted to wait for Gatsby but did not know how long she should waitFor Daisy was young and her artificial world was redolent of orchids and pleasant, cheerful snobbery she wanted her life shaped now, immediately and the decision must be made by some force (158-159)4. Describe the change in Gatsby and Daisys relationship while he was at Oxford.Chapter EightDaisy wanted Gatsby to come home to be with herShe wished for him to prove to her that the waiting was worth it5. What did need that Gatsby, in Oxford, couldnt give her?Chapter EightGatsby once stretched out his hand for the city of Louisville- the place where he first loved DaisyThe repetition is significant because it signifies the same feelings or desperation and longing that he expresses in the beginning of the novel reaching out to the green light at the end of Daisys dock6. What is the significance of Gatsbys repeated act of stretching out his hand desperately?Chapter EightThose that are rotten only see Gatsbys corruptionThose like Nick are able to see his incorruptible dreamNick to Gatsby: Theyre a rotten crowdYoure worth the whole damn bunch of them put together. (162)7. What is the distinction Nick draws between Gatsbys corruption and his incorruptible dream?Chapter EightGeorge believes that Dr. TJ Eckleburg is the eyes of God looking over the sins of his wife (Myrtles affair with Tom)8. Explain the relationship in Wilsons mind between God and Dr. TJ Eckleburg. How might it further explain the significance of the billboard?Chapter Eight
Holocaust = complete destructionThe death of Gatsby and Wilson signifies complete destruction of righteousness and dreams9. What is the meaning of the word holocaust as it relates to the text?Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Catherine convinced herself that Myrtle and George were happily married, that she had never seen Gatsby (which she hadnt), and that Myrtle had never done anything wrong.George was reduced to a man deranged by grief in order that the case might remain in its simplest form. (172)1. What did Catherine convince herself of Myrtle and George Wilsons relationship?Chapter NineOne of Gatsbys business associates arrested off a tip from New YorkTom?Slagle: They got a circular from New York giving em the numbers (171)2. What happened to the deal in Chicago?Chapter NineHenry Gatz is a solemn, helpless manDismayed; nervous; tremblingHe felt his sons death was tragic; believed James to have great promise and a lot of brain powerNick accidentally calls him Mr. Gatsby; Mr. Gatz corrects him3. Describe Henry Gatz. How does he react to his sons death?Chapter NineGatsby was penniless and hadnt eaten in daysWolfshiem made himI raised him up out of nothing, right out of the gutter (179)4. How did Wolfshiem first meet and get involved with Gatsby?Chapter Nine
Wolfshiem first met Gatsby after he came home from the war at a poolroom on 43rd Street asking for a jobThere is no response from Daisy.5. What is Daisys response to the funeral?Chapter Nine
Westerners Gatsby, Nick, Daisy, Tom, JordanThe West represents family, morals, simplicity- all of which are lost in the East (fast-paced life, wild parties, loose women, etc)6. What was the deficiency in the Westerners that made them subtly adaptable to Eastern life?Chapter NineJordan believes that Nick is dishonest because he wasnt fully open with herShe says that he is a bad driver because she fell for him (her bad driving and he ended up breaking her heart (his bad driving)This recalls an earlier conversation between Nick called Jordan (chapter 3: 63)It takes two to make an accident (Jordan)Suppose you met somebody as careless as yourself (Nick)7. Can you explain, from Jordans point of view, how Nick was dishonest, a bad driver?Chapter NineTom does know the truth about the accidentHe led Wilson to Gatsby so that he and Daisy could leave town and let the situation settle down8. Does Tom know the truth about the accident?Chapter NineNick is the only outsider that believed in the innate goodness of GatsbyOn the other hand, people like Tom and Daisy were careless people who smashed up things and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness and let other people clean up the mess (188)He does not want his belief in Gatsby soiled by the obscenity on his steps9. Why did Nick care about erasing graffiti on Gatsbys steps?Chapter NineThe moment that Daisy marries Tom, Gatsbys dream never has a chance.Though they rekindle some sort of relationship, it would never be able to fully formGatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but thats no matter tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther (189)10. How was Gatsbys dream already behind him, lost with the dreams of the fresh new world centuries ago?Chapter Nine
